Bureau of Labor: 1 in 3 Veterans Unemployed
According to new numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1 in 3 young veterans (ages 18-24) are unemployed.
LifeQuest Transitions is a local organization that works to help military members transition back into civilian life.
According to co-founder Grove Higgins, the group provides not only physical and emotional training for wounded warriors, but is now planning to provide job training.
Sgt. Tyler Daly is a former soldier who has worked with LifeQuest. He served in the Army for 7 years and was deployed to Iraq twice.
He suffered a concussion in an IED explosion in 2008. He has since been seeking treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Daly retired from the Army in June 2011, and since has been working to build a career.
He graduated from the National Personal Trainer Institute and has his certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Daly said he hopes to work as a personal trainer, but admits he struggles in a traditional gym setting because of his disabilities.
He would prefer to work one-on-one with people and said he specializes in weight loss and cardio work.
LifeQuest is planning to help veterans like Daly find work through a business incubator program.
Higgins said LifeQuest is partnering with local businesses to create internship-like opportunities to train military members in civilian jobs.
Daly also hopes that there will be more opportunities for veterans to gain entrepreneurial skills and start their own businesses. That would allow veterans to hire more military members.
LifeQuest works solely on community donations and support. If you would like more information on how to help, click here.
Fort Carson officials also said they are aware of the growing problem of unemployed veterans and have been working to help soldiers transition and find work.
The Mountain Post provides the Army Career and Alumni Program. Fort Carson officials urge soldiers to seek help if they need it.
